Free Speech

So, the idiot pastor Terry Jones, who thought that it would be a great idea to burn copies of the Koran on the anniversary of 9/11, has been invited over by the NDL to speak at a rally.

Predictably, a number of people are saying that he should be refused entry into the country.

I disagree. Not because I agree or sympathise with his views, not because I condone the NDL and their beliefs, but because I believe in Free Speech.

Free Speech is about allowing anybody to express their opinions, however unpalatable others may find them. Full stop. This is one of the fundamental rights which underpin Freedom and Democracy.

What about these “Hate Preachers” that have featured in the news? Abu Hamza, Angem Choudary, Omar Bakri, etc...

They too have to right to express their opinions, however vile they may be. That’s freedom.

However, no-one has the right to directly incite violence. The way to make changes in this country is by representation and lobbying. That way the majority can decide if these proposed changes are acceptable. Thuggery, murder and mayhem are the only recourse for volatile minorities that feel that they can impose their will impudently.